Florida nonprofit Poodle and Pooch Rescue couldn’t believe their eyes when they received information about a puppy in need.
The dog I was supposed to help was so disoriented that I couldn’t make out the outline of its body.
Heavy carpet
The Florida-based rescue tried to understand what was going on and how the dog got into that situation, but that wasn’t as easy as they thought.
“We were simply asked to help. We asked if this was a backyard breeder dog, and we were told ‘no,’ although we were skeptical because we could see puppies in the background of the photo provided with this girl in an outdoor pen. None of that matters now; she’s safe in our care,” stated the rescue.
As soon as the pup, later named Loretta, came into their care, they immediately got to work.
Since her mat was so severe, even restricting her from walking properly, the staff knew that the first order of business was to get her a needed haircut.
It’s time for a haircut
Staff members took to social media to seek urgent help from a groomer to take care of the mats.
Fortunately, they received an incredible response and within 24 hours, Loretta was no longer able to walk on her own and was sent to As the Tail Wags’ grooming and training center in Oviedo.
I was taken to the center. Christy, Shannon and Megan arrived on holiday and spent more than three hours caring for Loretta, carefully shaving the thick hair that had long restricted Loretta’s movement. In some places, the carpet was so hard that Loretta’s skin would tear.
With her long hair cut, Loretta looked like a brand new dog.
Before her transformation, Loretta’s body was covered in a heavy and dirty coat, and now she is finally a free dog able to walk.
Loretta’s transformation is a testament to the incredible power of community and compassion. To say this groom was a tough job is a huge understatement, but these incredible women gently worked their magic as if they were Loretta’s personal fairy godmothers.
Foster Home
He grew up to be a wonderful puppy, so it’s no wonder he found a home so quickly.
However, before arriving at her new home, Loretta went to the vet and was diagnosed with hookworm, arthritis, and heartworms. But things are going well for this good girl.
She is currently in a warm nursing home with people who shower her with nothing but love and adoration, creating the perfect environment for a speedy recovery. Loretta loves food and eats three times a day because she is underweight and currently has hookworm disease.
She loves her XL orthopedic bed, which is comfortable, and although she spends time in bed at home, she prefers to be outside as much as possible. She is now free of that restrictive and uncomfortable layer of matted fur and is “learning to be a dog.”
The last word
It warms my heart every time I see people coming together and working together to help those in need.
Thanks to the love and care of these rescuers and groomers, this dog is now able to live the life he truly deserves. Merci!
